Smith Valley woman punishes 7-year-old with box cutter

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A 24-year-old Smith Valley woman faces up to 20 years in prison after she was convicted Friday of child abuse causing bodily harm for punishing a young boy by cutting his foot with a box cutter.

The Lyon County District Attorney’s Office announced that Ashlee Marie Kinsey, formerly known as Ashlee Marie Morrow, had been charged with two counts of child abuse.

After a four-day trial, a jury found her guilty Friday.

Following the verdict, Kinsey was taken into custody. She is scheduled to be sentenced in District Court in Yerington on Feb. 3.

Prosecutors Orrin Johnson and Brian Haslem of the Lyon County District Attorney’s Office argued, with the help of medical expert, that the injuries identified were unlikely to have been caused accidentally.

In addition to the cut on his foot and a broken arm, the 7-year-old child had suffered multiple additional suspicious injuries, including broken ribs.

Dominick Ratto was also implicated in the case, but had pleaded guilty to a felony child abuse charge earlier this year. Ratto is serving a six-year prison sentence.

“We’re very satisfied with the outcome,” said Johnson. “Child abuse cases are often difficult to bring to trial, or even identify. Too often, this sort of crime takes place in secret, or is covered up or ignored by other family members. Thanks to a diligent investigation by Lyon County sheriff’s deputies and DCFS, not to mention a very brave little boy, Ms. Kinsey will face justice for what she’s done.

“We also hope this conviction serves as a reminder to anyone in Lyon County who might be tempted to abuse a member of their family. The Lyon County District Attorney’s Office makes domestic violence and child abuse cases one of our top priorities.”